Self-polishing technology for bodywork
There are several types of polishing of the car bodywork:
Abrasive.
Protective.
Simple.
Deep.
Let's consider each type of polishing in more detail.
Abrasive polishing
This type of polishing can be done manually or with an electric tool. With manual polishing, the polishing paste is placed on a lint-free cloth and evenly distributed over the body surface. In the case of an aerosol polish, there is no need to apply it on the napkin, it is sprayed immediately on the surface. Further it is maintained some time for drying and thickening of structure, the polish is covered by a white plaque. Then the surface is polished with a clean cloth to a mirror shine in circular motion. The best effect is to follow the advice of the polish manufacturer in terms of drying time and consumption. This method is used with non-abrasive polishes. If there are deep scratches, it is necessary to use a power tool. A good option would be to use an eccentric grinder because of its original movement of the working part. This grinding machine is called an orbital grinding machine. If there is no such tool, a conventional electric drill with a grinding nozzle can be used.
Work steps:
Grinding with paste and abrasive components to grind large scratches. Polishing with a "soft" formulation to obtain a mirror finish.
If you consider these steps in detail, when polishing with a soft compound, the speed of rotation of the working element of the machine must be reduced to 1000 revolutions and use paste without abrasive. The form of motion of the working element of the power tool should be such that the next circle of motion is not superimposed on the previous one, but occurs in parallel. The movement of the power tool should be smooth, without a strong pressure on the polishing wheel. First, polish with a medium abrasive compound on harder circles. The foam is then polished with a polish for deep scratches. On the grinder, the speed of rotation of 2000 revolutions is adjusted, the foam on the wheel is wetted with water, and the tool moves evenly on the part, making polishing. Before use, you should carry out a practice test on another part to obtain an excellent result when polishing the car. Training with different mixtures and circles allows you to choose the best polishing speed, the force of the tool pressed against the surface.
After training, you can start processing the car body. You can't be in a hurry to cover a large area during the workout. It is better to polish the car more slowly, but with a higher quality. At the beginning, after a few hits, wipe the treated surface with a cloth and perform a visual inspection. It may be necessary to make some adjustments and remove any remaining scratches.
After the first step, it is necessary to wash the body to remove the abrasive particles of the polystyrene. If the restoration polishing is done according to the rules, the machine will look brand-new, which has just come out of the factory conveyor belt. The effect should be fixed by applying a protective polish.
Protective polishing
Mixtures protecting automotive enamel from negative environmental influences have no abrasive components and are enriched with silicone or wax components. Recently, new protective compositions with polymeric substances have appeared. Finishing polishes are sensitive to negative factors: ultraviolet rays, high humidity, chemicals, temperature changes, so they have different expiration dates. In order to avoid the need to grind back often, it is advisable to apply a protective polish to the body. Compositions, which include silicone or wax, have a low cost, but are able to withstand no more than three car washes.
Polymeric protective polishes are more expensive, but serve about six months. The protective coating is applied with a grinder at a speed of rotation of about 3000 revolutions with the use of the softest circle. Polyrene should not get on the chrome parts, otherwise it is necessary to remove it quickly, because after drying the polish the chrome surface will fade, and to restore the chrome-plated shine is very difficult. It is better to tape off the shiny chrome parts in advance. After applying the protective polish you can perform a test: pour water on the machine. If the work is done well, the water will be collected in large drops and flow down. The formation of coarse droplets indicates that the surface is perfectly smooth, and the dust will not collect on it. Simple polishing This treatment is carried out when the surface is free from defects and completely flat.
Self-polishing begins with the application of a polish on the surface. It is first applied on a napkin and smeared over the body. Then the composition should dry out before it becomes white, so that polishing can begin. About 20 single movements are enough to obtain a high quality shine. Circular movements give the best effect. Before starting work you should familiarize yourself with the floor manufacturer's instructions.
Simple polishing
Such treatment is carried out when the surface is free from defects and completely flat. Independent polishing begins with the application of a polish on the surface. It is first applied on a napkin and smeared over the body. Then the composition should dry out before it becomes white, so that polishing can begin. About 20 single movements are enough to obtain a high quality shine. Circular movements give the best effect. Before you work, you should read the instructions of the polishing compound manufacturer. Repeated polishing is recommended after 1-1.5 months.
The protective polishing is pre-sale and definitely protective in order to really protect the body from the environment. It is applied to the entire surface to protect the coating from negative influences. This is done more carefully, using silicone or wax formulations that give the coating a shine. A soft polish is used for old cars that are not damaged by the paintwork. Such treatment is a gentle way of protection.
How to polish headlights?
When driving on the road, headlamps are damaged by small stones and grains of sand coming from under the wheels of cars. They are exposed to various aggressive substances: salt, fuel oil, exhaust gases, etc. This has a negative effect on the condition of the lighting equipment: scratches, chips and cracks occur. As time goes by, the headlights become dark, yellowish and unattractive. To solve this problem, it is necessary to grind and polish the headlamps.
Methods of polishing car headlights:
The easiest but most expensive way is to polish the headlamps with specialists. Often headlight polishing is offered by car washes and maintenance services. This method is suitable for those who can pay for the services of professionals. Self-polishing is too easy for you. Therefore, let's consider this method in more detail.
Hand polishing of headlights Tools and materials:
Scotch paint.
Felt circle.
Means for cleaning of headlights.
Capacity with water.
Set of abrasives for grinding and polishing.
Grinding machine.
Toothpaste or polish.
Foam sponge or rag.
In the absence of a grinder, polishing is done manually. This will take more time and effort. The rest of the accessories can be bought at the car shop. The abrasive set should be available with abrasives of different grit sizes from 600 to 4000.
Prepare for use
Wash the headlamp with detergent and foam sponge or rag. Quick release parts are best removed: radiator grille, turntable. If the headlamp is quickly removed from the machine, this will make polishing much easier. But the headlamp can also be polished directly on the car. It is important to protect the body near the headlamps: bumper, wings, hood, plastic parts, etc. Painting tape can be used for protection.
Operating procedure
In the first stage, a large abrasive wheel 600 is used. It is fixed on the grinder, wetted with water. The headlamp is also wetted with water for better cooling during grinding.
The first stage lasts about three minutes. Then the headlamp is washed with water, after which the headlamp becomes matte. Then it is necessary to take another smaller abrasive 1000, and grind no more than three minutes, wetting with water.
With each type of abrasive we repeat the grinding to the smallest 4000. After washing with water, the headlamp should become transparent.
Wipe the headlamp with a rag and polish it completely. To do this, we use a polish, applying it on a felt wheel and polishing by hand for about three minutes. If there is no polish, you can use toothpaste.
We polish the second headlamp in the same way. We install the removed body parts in their places.
All polishing will take no more than 40 minutes if a grinder is used. It will take twice as long to polish by hand.
How to polish a windshield with your own hands?
You can polish the windscreen of your vehicle yourself. This requires some time and effort.
Materials and tools Sprayer.
Protective film.
Cleaning liquid.
Colour marker.
Painting adhesive tape.
Napkins.
Polishing powder.
Circle polishing.
Grinding machine.
Getting ready for work
- Car wash.
- Cleaning the workplace.
- Cleaning the tool.
- Mark the damage on the glass with a marker on the passenger compartment side.
- Cover the car with plastic sheeting to prevent the car from getting polish.
- Cut out processing windows in film, fix the cut edges with tape.
- Wash working areas with cleaning fluid.
- Dilute the abrasive powder in water according to the instructions.
- Pour water into the sprayer.
- Place the felt wheel in the grinder.
Glass polishing
The first step is to apply the paste to the circle and the glass area, rubbing it on the surface.
Switch on the grinder and gently move it over the surface. It is not recommended to linger in one place for a long time, to avoid the formation of indentations on the glass. The grinder should be held so that the circle is positioned to the glass surface at an angle of about 5 degrees, do not apply great effort, work carefully and smoothly. The glass should be sprayed with water at all times to prevent it from drying out.
After the treatment of one area, it is possible to proceed to another according to the same principle. If the car is old, the windshield can be polished completely.
After finishing work, it is necessary to remove the protective film and wash the windshield. Polishing the glass takes several hours, so you need to be patient.
Qualitatively polished glass is almost as good as the new one, and 90% corresponds to all the parameters of the new glass. Serious defects on the glass polished will not be removed.
Consumables
Consumables are applicators, foam rubber, flannel fabric, as well as grinding and polishing pastes and sandpaper. Self-polishing is carried out with pastes, aerosols and liquid polishes. Pastes with different abrasivity are used for deep processing.